What are the basics of a successful networking e-mail?

Networking e-mails should be clear and concise and a little bit flattering, career coach Alison Green writes in this blog post. Those looking to network through e-mail should offer some context for their message, explain the reason for contacting that person, and make it easy for them to help through a short phone call or quick coffee meeting -- always remembering a "thank you," Green writes. "Most people like to help other people out, but they like to be appreciated for their time and effort."